While creatine is well-known in the athletic world for its potential role in supporting physical performance*, its potential benefits might extend far beyond the gym or the sports field. Emerging research suggests that creatine might have implications for brain health, aging, and other conditions.

Creatine and the brain

The brain is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the body. It utilizes around 20% of the body's total energy, despite accounting for just 2% of total body weight. Given creatine's role in energy metabolism, it's plausible that creatine supplementation could help support brain function.*

Creatine and cognitive function

Preliminary studies suggest that creatine supplementation might help support cognitive function, especially under conditions of sleep deprivation or stress for some populations.* It also appears to potentially possess some neuroprotective effects.*

Creatine and healthy aging

Research has also hinted at the role of creatine in healthy aging. As we age, muscle mass and strength tend to decline, a condition that is sometimes referred as sarcopenia. Given creatine's well-established role in potentially promoting muscle growth and strength, it's plausible that it could play a role in sarcopenia for some individuals.* Preliminary research suggests that creatine supplementation, especially when combined with resistance training, may help support muscle strength and functional performance in certain older adults.*

Creatine's potential benefits for brain health and aging make it a molecule of interest for future research. While these areas need more rigorous investigation, the possibility of creatine evolving from a sports supplement into a general health supplement is a fascinating prospect.

Creatine and mental health

A more surprising avenue of creatine research is its potential role in mental health. Preliminary research has suggested that creatine may have some antidepressant effects. While the mechanism of action is still not entirely understood and needs to be researcher further before arriving to any conclusion, one theory is that creatine's energy-enhancing effects could contribute to promoting brain function.*

Even more surprisingly, creatine may play a role in glucose metabolism. Early research suggests that creatine supplementation may support glucose tolerance, potentially playing a role on diabetes.* While these studies are still in their infancy, the potential for creatine to play a role is interesting.

Creatine and heart health

Lastly, the role of creatine in heart health should not be overlooked. Given that the heart is a muscle that requires a significant amount of energy, it stands to reason that creatine, with its energy-promoting properties, might potentially also play a role. Some research has suggested that creatine supplementation could support heart function and exercise capacity in individuals with certain types of heart history.* Again more research is needed but these avenues of research are interesting.

In conclusion, creatine, best known for its role in sports and exercise performance, is revealing itself to be a molecule of many mysteries. With potential benefits ranging from brain health to heart health, from aging to mental health, and beyond, the future of creatine research is looking incredibly diverse and promising.

As always, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Get professional advice if you think you might need a monohydrate creatine supplement or are already taking one to ensure you're not exceeding the amounts you may need.